Preface
As the flagship English-language publication of the Government Information Office, the Taiwan Yearbook is our best opportunity to explore together with you the wonders of Taiwan. We have taken great care in selecting a wide variety of subjects that paints a vibrant picture of Taiwan and reflects the diversity of life in our young democracy. Our wish is that you will come away not only knowing key facts and figures, but also having a thorough understanding of the 23 million people who call this nation their own.
Although its focus is on recent developments, the Taiwan Yearbook is designed to withstand the test of time as a general reference work and be an invaluable addition to your institutional, home, or office library.
We hope that the Taiwan Yearbook will not simply sit on a shelf gathering dust, but that you will take the opportunity you hold in your hands to learn about this island nation—free, independent, and democratic; about its struggles to gain international recognition; and about the hard work of its people to better their lives. With its new streamlined and colorful design, this volume is intended to be both useful and user-friendly.
Among the noteworthy events in Taiwan in 2006—domestically, perhaps the most important—were the mayoral and city council elections in Taiwan's two largest cities, Taipei and Kaohsiung. As a young democracy, elections remain the crucial test and proof of our nation's commitment to rule by the people.
Internationally, Taiwan's record on humanitarian aid and cooperation continued to stand out. However, major international organizations, such as the United Nations and World Health Organization, still see fit to shut the door on Taiwan. Though made in accordance with these bodies' rules and having a moral urgency, these bids failed. They were blocked by China, which, though it has repeatedly expressed concern for the welfare of Taiwan's people, persists in trying to isolate Taiwan diplomatically as if it were participating in a zero-sum game. Although these applications did not meet with success, they highlighted Taiwan's international plight and could serve to cause nations around the world to reconsider their relationships with democratic Taiwan and authoritarian China.
Looking ahead, Taiwan is gearing up for presidential and legislative elections in early 2008. The nation's athletes, meanwhile, are busy preparing for the 2009 World Games to be held in Taiwan's southern port city of Kaohsiung. We look forward to these events, as they represent, in the case of the former, the further strengthening of our democracy, and in the latter, an opportunity to showcase to the world our nation, the enchanting Formosa.
The Taiwan Yearbook is available in full online at http://www.gio.gov.tw under the "Publications" section. Also on this website can be found the most up-to-date information about Taiwan, the nation's goals and policies, and its efforts to participate in and contribute to the international community.
Lastly, our readers are our lifeblood. If you have any comments or suggestions concerning this book or any of our other publications, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Thank you for reading the Taiwan Yearbook 2007.
Shieh Jhy-wey
Minister
Government Information Office